Feb. 22, 2006
Contact: Carlos Valdez III. (210) 458-4930
UTSA travels to league-leading Stephen F. Austin for pivotal SLC game
Game Notes | Live Audio | Gametracker
SAN ANTONIO - The UTSA women’s basketball team hits the road for a pivotal SLC game against league-leading Stephen F. Austin. The Roadrunners are two games back of Stephen F. Austin and Texas-Arlington for the No.1 seed in the SLC, with three games remaining for UTSA.
UTSA Roadrunners (14-10, 9-4 SLC)
at
Stephen F. Austin Lady Jacks (16-7, 10-2 SLC)
Thursday, Feb. 23 - 7 p.m.
Johnson Coliseum - Nacogdoches, Texas
Last Outing:
Texas State rallied from a 27-point deficit at the half, to get the 73-71 overtime win over UTSA Roadrunners in Southland Conference action on Feb. 18 in the Convocation Center. Senior Tamara Thompson dropped a career-high 32 points to lead the Bobcats in scoring. Sophomore Terrie Davis led four Runners in double-digit scoring with 17 points. Thompson also hauled in a game-high 15 rebounds and was 12-for-13 from the free throw line, including hitting the game winning free throws with two seconds left in overtime. UTSA offense’s was red hot in the first half shooting 52 percent, but in the second half the Roadrunners shot 23%.
Setting The Scene
UTSA looks for its first win at the Johnson Coliseum this Thursday Feb. 23 against league leading Stephen F. Austin in Nacogdoches, Texas, schedule tip is for 7 p.m.
Scouting Report On Stephen F. Austin
SFA is coming off a 88-63 win over McNeese State on Feb. 16 in Nacogdoches, Texas and is in first place in the SLC. Britany Vison led three Ladyjacks in double figure scoring with 15 points. Latoya Mills posted a double-double with 14 points and game-high 12 rebounds, while Charity Egenti chipped in with 12 points. The Ladyjacks have won six of their last seven games, including winning five straight games. Mills leads SFA in scoring (16.8 ppg) and rebounding (8.8 rpg).
Last Meeting Between UTSA and SFA
UTSA handed SFA a 66-48 loss at the Convocation Center back on Jan. 21. Nicole Dunson led three UTSA players in double digits with 12 points. UTSA’s defense held SFA to a season-low 48 points and to 34 % shooting from the field, including 17% from downtown. Also, SFA entered the game tied for first place in conference.
All-Time Series
The SFA leads the all-time series 27-4 and are a perfect 13-0 at home. The Roadrunners have won the last two meetings between them, but they wins have come in the Convo.
Blair vs. Riley
Since taking over the program in 2000, coach Rippetoe-Blair is 3-4 vs. Coach Riley. She is winless against SFA in the Johnson Coliseum.
Davis Makes Big Return
After missing two games, Davis returned against McNeese State and scored 8 points. She saw limited action against Lamar and was scoreless. Against Texas-Arlington, Davis played 38 minutes but scored five points on 2-of-5 shooting. The Houston, Texas, native bounced back with a 17 point outing on 6-of-13 shooting in 36 minutes of action. She was also 3-of-6 behind the arc against Texas State.
Flip-Flop Of Halves
UTSA started of the game hitting everything they shot at the basket. The Roadrunner were 17-of-33 for 52% and entered halftime with a 27-point lead. The second half was a different story, the Runners converted only eight field goals, shot 23% and were outscored 48-21 in the second half. On the other hand, Texas State shot 23% in the first half and exploded in the second frame for 48%.
Offensive Showcase
Offense is not going to be an issue for both teams, as they 1 and 2 in several offensive category in the SLC. SFA and UTSA are ranked 1 and 2, respectively in scoring offense. The Ladjacks are average 72.3 points per game, while the Roadrunners are score 66.9 points per contest. UTSA tops the league in field goal percentage at 45%. SFA is second at 43%. The Roadrunners rank first in the SLC shooting 39% from 3-point land; meanwhile, the Ladyjacks stand second shooting 38% from downtown.
Gibbs Shines On National Stage
Monica Gibbs had her best game of the season on national TV. The Stillwater, Okla., native posted her first career double-double and was two assists shy of a triple-double. Gibbs scored career-highs of 15 points, 14 rebounds and eight assist.
Viva Vivian
Since getting her first start on Dec. 19, 2005 in Tempe, Ariz., Ewalefo has been the force to UTSA’s success with a 9-6 mark. She has led them in scoring seven times and in rebounding 10 times. Also has recorded five double-doubles
Keep Playing and Playing
In the double overtime win over UTA, Nicole Dunson was the only player from both teams to play all 50 minutes.
Home Sweet Home
The Roadrunners are 8-4 mark in the Convocation Center this season, including 6-1 in conference play.
Double Feature
Ewalefo record her fifth double-double on the season and fourth in the last five games. The Las Vegas, Nev., native posted her first double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds on Dec. 19, 2005.
Marking Her 3-Point Territory
In her second season at UTSA Nicole Dunson began the year 11th all-time list with 46 career made 3-pointers. She surpassed former UTSA great Tammy Rogers for third with 94 trifecters made and tied Rosie Smith for second on the list. The sharpshooter has connected on 48 3-point baskets this season, which tops the team and leads the team in 3-point shooting percentage at 47% and ranks first in the SLC. Dunson ranks sixth in the nation in 3-point field goal percentage.
Runners Ranks In SLC
Dunson leads the league in 3-point field goal percentage (.471) and ranked third in 3-pointers made per game (2.00) and ranks fifth in field goal percentage (.479). Point guard Monica Gibbs stands second averaging 4.45 assists per game, while center Lacy Mingee ranks sixth in field goal percentage (.472). Ewalefo is sixth in the league with 7.0 rebounds per game.
200th Career Victory
Coach Rippetoe-Blair won her 200th career game with the win over Nicholls State on Feb. 2.
Another 10+ Season
The win over Northwestern State secured Coach Rippetoe-Blair’s sixth straight season with 10 or more wins.
High Expectations In The SLC
UTSA was picked to finish second in the SLC coaches and SID’s polls, behind Texas-Arlington.
Who’s Next For The Roadrunners
UTSA returns home for its home finale against SLC foe Sam Houston State, Feb. 25 at 4 p.m. in the Convocation Center.